Friday, September 30, 2016

NEWS | WNZR celebrates 30 years of ministry

WNZR 90.9 FM, Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s radio station, is celebrating 30 years of broadcasting in central Ohio. A public celebration of this achievement will be held on Oct. 1 from 6-8 p.m., at MVNU’s Hunter Hall, 221 S. Main St., in downtown Mount Vernon. The celebration is open to all and does not require a ticket or RSVP. Music, a photo booth, a special recording corner, snacks, and discounts on Happy Bean coffee will be featured.

WNZR has come a long way from the station’s first broadcast in 1986. Following four years of legal struggles to gain a commercial broadcast license and construction permit, WNZR played music from 6-12 a.m. during weekdays. Now, music plays 24 hours a day, 365 days a week. Listening is also available via their website and mobile apps for both Apple and Android devices.
Saturday’s celebration event will kick-off to a year-long emphasis on God’s faithfulness to this ministry.

“God has been extremely faithful to answer the prayers of Dr. Henry Smith and those communication students from 1982. Our listeners have also been faithful to financially support our ministry over the past three decades. Their support has allowed us to grow and expand to fulfill our mission,” said Marcy Rinehart, WNZR Station Manager.

WNZR continues to be a positive presence in the Knox County community with involvement and broadcasts from events like Food For The Hungry, the Knox County Fair, First Fridays and the Dan Emmett Music and Arts Festival. The radio station continues to support the MVNU campus by covering campus athletics and giving student broadcasters a real-life learning experience.

“So much has taken place to forward God's kingdom through the ministry of WNZR. It has been a privilege for us to be involved in a ministry like this, and I hope to leave a legacy for those who will follow after us,” said MVNU senior Aubrey Bailey, WNZR Production Director.